Vocabulary
The vocabulary below is meant to help you with the more difficult words. If the word isn’t on the list then you are either supposed to know it at this level or it is too specific to be worth learning for the exam. Symbols in brackets mean part of speech(see bottom of the list). Sentences in italics give examples of usage for some more complex words and phrases.
And remember — you are not given a vocabulary list (or a dictionary) at your real exam.
Part 1
Unobserved (adj) — not seen or noticed; happening without anyone watching. The crucial chemical reaction occurred unobserved in the sealed chamber.
Saturated (adj) — completely filled or soaked to the point where no more can be absorbed; here it is used figuratively to describe an overloaded sense. The advertising market is so saturated that new brands struggle to be noticed.
Diminishing (adj) — gradually decreasing in size, importance, or intensity. The prospect of a peaceful resolution is met with diminishing hope as the conflict drags on.
Ubiquitous (adj) — seeming to be present everywhere at the same time. Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that we hardly notice them anymore.
Gaze (n) — a steady, intent, and often prolonged look. Her gaze never wavered from the horizon.
Relevance (n) — the quality of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand. His research on medieval poetry has little relevance to our project on digital ethics.
Subconsciously (adv) — in a way that is influenced by the part of the mind one is not fully aware of. She subconsciously tapped her fingers to the rhythm of the music.
To conform (v) — to behave or think in a way that is accepted by a group or society, often by suppressing individuality. He felt immense pressure to conform to the strict corporate culture.
Perceived (adj) — interpreted or understood in a particular way; seen or regarded. The delay was perceived as a sign of incompetence.
Quirky (adj) — characterized by unusual or unexpected traits in an appealing way. The director has a quirky sense of humour that infuses all his films.
Dissentient (adj) — holding or expressing an opinion that differs from the majority. The dissentient voice argued forcefully.
To ponder (v) — to think about something carefully and for a long time. She sat by the window to ponder the implications of their decision.
Perpetually (adv) — in a way that never ends or changes; constantly. He seems perpetually amused by the absurdities of modern life.
Part 2
To wage (v) — to engage in or carry on, typically used in the context of a sustained effort like a war or campaign. The government vowed to wage a relentless war on corruption.
Tried-and-true (adj) — proven to be effective or reliable through long experience. For a quick weeknight meal, her tried-and-true pasta recipe never fails.
Dashboard (n) — a control panel, typically in a vehicle or software, that displays key information and instruments. The car’s digital dashboard showed her speed, fuel level, and navigation.
Usability (n) — the degree to which something is easy and intuitive to use. The website’s redesign significantly improved its usability for older adults.
Glaring (adj) — extremely obvious or conspicuous, often in a negative way. The report contained several glaring errors that undermined its credibility.
Automotive (adj) — relating to or concerned with motor vehicles. Alexey works in the automotive industry, designing more efficient engines.
A dial (n) — a disc or knob on a device that is turned to select a setting, like on a radio or old telephone. She turned the dial on the thermostat to increase the heat.
Relic (n) — an object, custom, or belief from a past era that has survived, often seen as outdated. The dusty typewriter in the attic was a relic from his journalism days.
Unsavory (adj) — disagreeable, distasteful, or morally questionable. The scandal involved some truly unsavory characters from the city’s underworld.
To confine (v) — to keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits. Please confine your comments to the topic of the meeting.
Cognitive (adj) — relating to the mental processes of understanding, learning, and remembering. Sleep is essential for cognitive functions like memory consolidation.
To poke (v) — to quickly push or jab with a finger or a pointed object. He used a stick to poke the campfire back to life.
Humble (adj) — modest in one’s importance; not proud. Joshua remained humble despite his great success.
Part 3, 4
To figure out (v) — to solve, understand, or find the answer to something through thinking or investigation. It took me an hour to figure out how to assemble the new furniture.
Final bell (n) — the bell that signals the end of the school day or a class period. The students packed their bags as soon as they heard the final bell.
Logistical (adj) — relating to the complex organization and execution of a large operation or project. The logistical challenges of transporting the aid to the remote region were immense.
Constructive (adj) — intended to be helpful and positive, with a focus on improvement rather than criticism. She appreciated her manager’s constructive feedback on the presentation.
At the field (prep. phrase) — at the location where a sport is played or an activity takes place; also used metaphorically to mean being actively involved in a practical area of work. The team is warming up at the field. / Our researchers gather data at the field, not just in the lab.
To crumble (v) — to break or fall apart into small fragments, either literally or figuratively in the case of institutions or resolve. The ancient wall began to crumble under its own weight. / Her composure started to crumble during the intense interrogation.
Peer pressure (n) — the social influence exerted by one’s peers or social group to adopt certain behaviors, attitudes, or values in order to fit in. Many teenagers start smoking not out of desire, but due to direct peer pressure.
Appealing (adj) — attractive or interesting. The town is appealing because of its rustic charm and picturesque location
Pull (n) — the power to attract interest, allegiance, or attention. The pull of nostalgia is strong, drawing people to remake classic films.
To spark curiosity (v phrase) — to trigger or ignite a desire to learn or know more about something. The mysterious artifact on display was enough to spark curiosity in every visitor.
To hinge on (v) — to depend entirely on a single factor or condition. The success of the merger hinges on securing regulatory approval.
Authentic (adj) — genuine, real, and true to its own origins or character; not a copy. They were looking for an authentic Italian cafe, not a chain restaurant.
An institution (n) — an established organization or long-standing custom, practice, or system in a society. The university is a centuries-old institution.
To be turned off something (phr. v) — to lose interest in or develop a dislike for something. I was completely turned off the idea of skiing after I broke my leg.
To have a say (in something) (idiom) — to have the right or opportunity to express an opinion and influence a decision. The employees demanded to have a say in the new office design.
Resilience (n) — the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. The community’s resilience in the aftermath of the flood was remarkable.
To stick to something (phr. v) — to continue with a task, decision, or plan without giving up or changing it. The key to the diet is to stick to the meal plan, even on weekends.
Meticulous (adj) — showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. She was meticulous in her research, checking every source twice.
Defendant (n) — the person or party in a legal case who is accused of a crime or sued in a civil court. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Chairman (n) — the person, regardless of gender, who presides over a meeting, committee, or board of directors. The chairman called the board meeting to order.
Part 5
To navigate (v) — to find one’s way through a complex or challenging situation, either physically or metaphorically. New employees must learn to navigate the company’s intricate hierarchy.
Presumption (n) — an idea that is taken to be true, often without sufficient evidence; an assumption. His question was based on the presumption of her guilt, which angered the panel.
Layout (n) — the way in which the parts of something are arranged or organized, like a room, page, or city. The open-plan layout of the office encourages collaboration.
Profound (adj) — having deep meaning or significance; very great or intense. The documentary had a profound effect on my worldview.
Narrator (n) — the character or voice that tells the story in a novel, film, or documentary. The novel’s unreliable narrator forces the reader to question everything.
To reinforce (v) — to strengthen or support, either a physical structure or an idea or habit. The teacher used examples to reinforce the lesson.
Omnipresent (adj) — present everywhere at the same time, often implying a constant, unavoidable presence. A sense of anxiety was omnipresent in the weeks before the election.
Subtle (adj) — so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; not obvious. There was a subtle shift in his tone that hinted at his displeasure.
Critique (n) — a detailed analysis and assessment. The mayor wrote a sharp critique of the proposed policy.
Engraved (adj) — (figuratively) permanently fixed in the memory. The image was engraved in my mind.
Blueprint (n) — used figuratively here, it means a a guiding template. The business plan served as a blueprint for the startup’s first five years.
Intimidation (n) — the act of frightening someone, especially to make them do what you want. The witness refused to testify due to fear of intimidation.
Courthouse (n) — a building in which courts of law are held. A crowd gathered outside the courthouse for the high-profile trial.
Facade (n) — the front of a building. They restored the beautiful stone facade of the old theatre.
To instil (v) — to gradually but firmly establish an idea, feeling, or principle in someone’s mind. Her parents sought to instil a strong work ethic in their children.
Reverence (n) — deep respect and admiration for someone or something. Silvia spoke of the ancient traditions with great reverence.
Offensive (adj) — causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry. Jose’s comments were deeply offensive.
To dissolve (v) — talking about individuality here, it describes the process where a person’s unique traits, autonomy, or sense of self are weakened or absorbed, causing them to blend into a group, ideology, or system.
Kafkaesque (adj) — having a nightmarishly complex, illogical, or bizarre quality, like the situations in Franz Kafka’s stories. He was caught in a Kafkaesque bureaucracy, unable to prove his own identity.
Empirical (adj) — based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory. Her argument was compelling because it was backed by empirical data from the study.
Spatial (adj) — relating to or occupying space. The architect has a genius for spatial design, making small areas feel vast.
Promenade (n) — a paved public walkway, typically along a waterfront. We strolled along the seaside promenade.
Permeable (adj) —(figuratively) open to influence or ideas. Their culture was permeable to outside innovations.
Insidiously (adv) — in a gradual, subtle way that causes harm over time without being easily noticed. The disease progresses insidiously, with symptoms appearing only at a late stage.
Domestic (adj) — relating to the home, household, or family affairs. Domestic chores like cleaning can be shared.
Segregated (adj) — set apart or separated, often along racial, gender, or social lines. Our city was deeply segregated, with communities living in separate districts.
To facilitate (v) — to make an action or process easier or more likely to happen. The mediator’s role is to facilitate a dialogue between the two sides.
Togetherness (n) — a feeling of warmth, closeness, and unity in a group. The camping trip fostered a real sense of togetherness among the students.
Proliferation (n) — a rapid increase in the number or amount of something. There has been a worrying proliferation of misinformation online.
En-suite bathroom (n) — a private bathroom connected directly to a bedroom. The master bedroom has a large en-suite bathroom.
To verge on something (v phrase) — to be very close to an extreme state or condition; to border on. The company verged on bankruptcy.
Determinism (n) — the philosophical belief that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. The novel explores themes of free will versus determinism.
Puppet (n) — (here) a person under the control of another. The dictator was seen as a puppet of foreign powers.
Agency (n) — the capacity of an individual to act independently and make their own free choices. The therapy aimed to restore the patient’s sense of agency over her own life.
To repurpose (v) — to adapt or use something for a purpose different from its original one. They repurposed the old factory into modern loft apartments.
Sterile (adj) — (here) lacking in imagination, vitality, or interest. The room’s decor was functional but sterile.
Orderly (adj) — neatly and methodically arranged. She kept an extremely orderly desk.
Contemplation (n) — the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought. The garden is a place for quiet contemplation.
Tacit (adj) — understood or implied without being directly stated. There was a tacit agreement between them not to discuss the past.
Homage (n) — a public demonstration of respect, honour, or tribute, often expressed through one’s work or actions that acknowledge influence. The director’s latest film is a clear homage to the classic noir movies of the 1940s.
Frontier (n) — a new and promising area for exploration and development. This research is at the frontier of renewable energy technology.
To coauthor (v) — to be a joint author of a book, article, or document with one or more other people. She coauthored the groundbreaking paper with her mentor.
To partake (v) — to join in; (more often) to consume something (like food or drink). Guests were invited to partake in the celebratory meal.
To shed (v) — to cast off, get rid of, or allow to fall off. The company aims to shed its outdated image.
To impose (v) — to force something to be accepted or put in place, often an unwelcome rule or burden. The victors sought to impose harsh penalties on the defeated nation.
Framework (n) — a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text. The report provides a theoretical framework for understanding economic inequality.
Foster (v) — to encourage or promote the development of something, typically something regarded as positive. The program aims to foster innovation in young entrepreneurs.
Nurture (v) — to care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something. She nurtured her students’ talents with great dedication.
Cultivate (v) — (here) to try to acquire or develop a quality, skill, or relationship. He cultivated a network of useful contacts.
Part 6
On a whim (phrase) — acting on a sudden, spontaneous impulse without prior planning. She bought the plane ticket to Paris on a whim.
To fuel something (v) — (figurative) to stimulate or intensify a feeling, situation, or activity. His harsh words only fuelled the argument.
Insomnia (n) — the condition of being regularly unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. Stress at work triggered a bout of insomnia.
Outskirts (n) — the outer parts of a city or town; the areas farthest from the center. They live in a quiet house on the outskirts of Berlin.
Eerie (adj) — strange and frightening, often because of a mysterious, unsettling quietness. An eerie silence descended over the haunted forest.
Fluorescence (n) — the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other radiation, often creating a bright, glowing color. The fluorescence of the minerals under UV light was spectacular.
Box cutter (n) — a small, handheld tool with a retractable razor blade, used for opening cardboard boxes. The warehouse worker used a box cutter to open the shipment.
Pallet (n) — a flat surface made of boards used to transport packed goods in bulk. The pallet was damaged during transportation, so we had to discard it after unloading.
Currency (n) — the system of money used in a particular country. I need to exchange my dollars for the local currency.
Hum (n) — a low, steady, continuous sound like that made by a bee or machinery. The hum of the refrigerator was the only noise in the apartment.
Buzz (n) — a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound. The buzz of conversation filled the room.
Hiss (n) — a sharp sibilant sound like that of a snake or escaping steam. The steam escaped with a loud hiss.
Aisle (n) — a passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church, theater, or airplane, or between shelves in a supermarket. The baking supplies are in aisle five.
Scrubs (n) — the protective, simple clothing, typically consisting of a top and trousers, worn by surgeons, nurses, and other operating room personnel. The surgeon changed into clean scrubs before the operation.
Merits (n) — (here) the qualities that deserve praise or reward. The plan has considerable merits despite its cost.
Bonding (n) — the formation of a close, personal relationship through shared experiences or feelings. The team-building retreat was great for employee bonding.
Stockroom (n) — a room in a shop or business where a stock of goods is kept, not on display for customers. I’ll check in the stockroom to see if we have more in the back.
Designated (adj) — officially assigned a specific status, character, or purpose. This is a designated no-smoking area.
Nocturnal (adj) — active, happening during, or related to the night. The badger is a nocturnal animal, rarely seen in daylight.
To grunt (v) — to make a low, short guttural sound, typically to express effort, disinterest, or annoyance. He just grunted in response, too tired for conversation.
Tinny (adj) — having a thin, metallic, and unpleasant sound. The old radio had a tinny speaker.
Pristine (adj) — in its original, immaculate condition; unspoiled or perfectly clean. The beach was pristine, with white sand and clear water.
Crisp (adj) — (of air or weather) cool, fresh, and invigorating. They went for a walk in the crisp autumn air.
Bustling (adj) — full of energetic and noisy activity. The bustling market was filled with the shouts of vendors.
Retail (n) — the sale of goods to the public in small quantities for use or consumption (not for resale). She works in retail management.
Liminal (adj) — relating to a transitional or initial stage; occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold. The airport lounge is a liminal space, between departure and arrival.
Camaraderie (n) — mutual trust, friendship, and lively goodwill among people who spend time together. There was a strong sense of camaraderie among the soldiers.
Imperceptible (adj) — so slight, gradual, or subtle as to be barely noticeable or detectable. The change in her expression was almost imperceptible.
To anticipate (v) — to regard as probable; to expect or predict and act accordingly. The engineers anticipated the problem and designed a solution in advance.
To punctuate (v) — to interrupt or intersperse an activity with periodic instances of something. His speech was punctuated by long pauses.
To slump (v) — to sit, lean, or fall heavily and limply, often in a sign of exhaustion or defeat. Exhausted, he slumped into the armchair.
Frantic (adj) — conducted in a hurried, excited, and disorganized way, typically due to fear or anxiety. There was a frantic search for the missing keys.
Drudgery (n) — hard, menial, or dull work. Alicia longed to escape the daily drudgery of data entry.
To frolic (v) — to play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically. The puppies frolicked in the garden.
Poignant (adj) — evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or pity; deeply affecting. The photograph of their last meeting was particularly poignant.
Part 7
To convey (v) — to communicate an idea, feeling, or impression so that it is clearly understood. His tone of voice conveyed a deep sense of disappointment.
Heritage (n) — valued traditions, buildings, and objects that have been passed down from previous generations; one’s cultural or familial inheritance. The festival celebrates the town’s rich musical heritage.
Aesthetic (n) — a set of principles or a distinctive appearance concerned with beauty and the appreciation of art; relating to such principles. The shop has a minimalist aesthetic.
Sensorimotor (adj) — relating to both sensory and motor functions or the combined activity of sensory and motor systems. Infants learn about the world through sensorimotor exploration, like touching and tasting objects.
Cognizance (n) — formal knowledge, awareness, or notice of something. The court took cognizance of the new evidence presented by the defense.
Retention (n) — the ability to remember learned information. This technique improves memory retention.
To delegate (v) — to entrust a task or responsibility to another person, typically one who is less senior. A good manager knows when to delegate tasks to their team.
Quaint (adj) — attractively unusual or old-fashioned, especially in a charming way. We stayed in a quaint cottage in the countryside.
Hand-wringing (n) — excessive or ostentatious expression of concern, distress, or guilt. There is some wordplay here, pointing at how stressful writing can be for one’s hands. There was much hand-wringing in the media about the decline of traditional values.
To excel (v) — to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject. She excelled in mathematics from a very young age.
Legible (adj) — (of handwriting or print) clear enough to be read easily. Please ensure your answers are legible.
To have one’s run (phrase) — to have had a period of success, popularity, or operation (meaning that it is already over). That particular fashion trend has had its run and is now fading.
Scribbles (n) — careless, hurried, or meaningless drawings or pieces of writing. The notebook was filled with the child’s colorful scribbles.
To let go (phr. v) — to emotionally release or accept the loss of someone or something. It’s time to let go of past grievances.
To fetishize (v) — to have an excessive and irrational devotion or attachment to something, often attributing unrealistic power or value to it. The author warned against the tendency to fetishize economic growth above all else.
Tangible (adj) — perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real. The meeting produced no tangible results.
Manuscripts (n) — handwritten or typed documents, especially an author’s text before it is published. The library holds the original manuscripts of several famous novels.
Impoverishment (n) — the action of making someone or something poor or worse in quality. The cultural impoverishment of a standardized curriculum.
Flair (n) — a stylish and original quality. He dressed with undeniable flair.
Calligraphy (n) — the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush. She studied traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Homogenized (adj) — (here) having lost its distinctive character; made uniform or lacking distinctive features. Global brands have led to a homogenized high-street experience in cities worldwide.
Sterile (adj) — (figurative) lacking in imagination, creativity, or vitality. The debate was sterile and produced no new ideas.
Dichotomy (n) — a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different. The film explores the dichotomy between public duty and private desire.
To abolish (v) — to formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution. The country voted to abolish the death penalty.
To leverage (v) — to use something to maximum advantage, especially as a means to gain power or effectiveness. The company leveraged its data to create targeted advertising.
Mindful (adj) — focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. She practices mindful meditation.
Core (adj) — the central or most important part of something; fundamental. Trust is at the core of any strong relationship.
Curriculum (n) — the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or university. The school is revising its science curriculum.
To cling to something (phr. v) — (figurative) to be unwilling to abandon a belief, hope, or possession. He clung to the hope that she would return.
